The News Journal - Aiding Seniors an 'Obligation,' Carney Says

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The News Journal - Aiding Seniors an 'Obligation,' Carney Says

By Nick Coltrain

Lt. Gov. John Carney called aiding Delaware's growing senior population a "moral obligation" Wednesday, while unveiling a plan for senior care that featured state-subsidized health care and a push for affordable prescription coverage for senior citizens.

Delaware is a retirement destination for many seniors because of its low taxes and beaches, Carney said at the Claymore Senior Center in Wilmington. The Democrat, who will face state Treasurer Jack Markell in the Sept. 9 primary, said it creates special challenges for health care in Delaware.

The state will need more nurses and doctors, he said. Senior growth has been most pronounced in southern Delaware, so he'll continue a state program that helps doctors in Kent and Sussex counties pay off medical school loans. For nurses, he said, he will "dramatically increase" scholarship opportunities at Delaware colleges and expand clinical training at Delaware hospitals.

The state also needs systems in place to keep senior citizens active and living independently, he said.

"It's got to be a top priority," he said. "I think that it's a moral obligation that we have."

His plan includes expanding the state's Paratransit program and supporting senior citizen volunteer programs.

"There are lots of seniors who realize the importance of staying active in living long and healthy lives," Carney said.

To cut costs for health care, Carney proposed subsidizing routine screenings and medical visits for all Delaware residents, with their payment depending on their household income. He also hopes to create a statewide purchasing pool to create bulk-order discounts for Delawareans who buy into the program.

He said he will maintain the Delaware Prescription Assistance Program and expand it as the budget allows. He also plans to work with AstraZeneca in making prescriptions affordable.

Under Carney's plan, the Department of Health and Social Services will create a Web site to detail the programs available to seniors.

Carney said affordability is key to his plan, and he won't force insurance on people who can't afford it in this economy.

Carney said he will audit the government from the top down to cut costs and help pay for the benefits. He hopes for a surge in the economy to ease the burden as well. Failing that, he said, he will make sure the programs remain at the status quo.

"You have to build universal coverage based on affordability, and based on prevention, before you can require people to buy insurance that's not affordable for them," he said.

Markell, Carney's opponent, released his plan for senior aid in January. Like Carney, Markell said he wants to expand the Delaware Prescription Assistance Program. He also wants to create a clearing house for information on programs available to senior citizens.

Markell said the biggest difference in their plans is that Carney will move forward slowly, while Markell will move in "bolder steps."

"I think the best way to improve the budget is to move forward," Markell said. "Because the sooner we have everyone covered, the sooner our budget will work itself out."

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